Local MSP Rachael Hamilton has joined the campaign to find two stolen Border terriers who are still missing after nearly 2 months.
Edward Bell, head gamekeeper at Lothian Estates and his wife, Georgie Bell, had their two Border Terriers Ruby and Beetle stolen on Friday 28th December.
Local police inquiries into the whereabouts of the dogs have not revealed any new information.
The Bell family have raised a significant amount of money through social media as a reward. Through friends on Facebook and a ‘Just Giving’ page, they have managed to raise an additional £4000 on the safe return of their dogs. The reward now stands at £5000.
The Bells plan to display a 3-metre long banner along main roads in the Borders to publicise the missing dogs and are asking the Scottish Rugby team to get a team photo with the banner.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“Losing a dog causes anguish and upset in any family, and when contacted by the Bells, I wanted to offer help and assistance.
“They have taken great strides to ensure they get their terriers back by raising a large reward, and I hope that greater publicity will bring new information to light of their possible whereabouts.
“If anyone knows of anything regarding the stolen dogs, please get in contact with Police Scotland on 101”.
Georgie Bell said:
“We are extremely grateful for Rachael’s support. Ruby and Beetle were the very heart of our home. Our children have been heartbroken over the loss of our much-adored family pets.
“We have done so much work already to try and find these two little dogs. We have a Facebook group set up, 'Missing Ruby and Beetle', with over five thousand members.
“This group has given us so much support and help, they are all behind us, helping to raise a phenomenal £5000 reward, trying every way possible to give us suggestions and ideas for more media coverage.
“We need to reach out to the people who cruelly stole our beloved pets, to make them aware of the reward money that is waiting for their safe return.
“Dog theft is on the rise, it is becoming very apparent as we conduct our search how rife this crime has become”.